Why making video games is not hard anymore?
Game development has long been considered a challenging and daunting task, requiring a high level of technical expertise, creativity, and perseverance. However, with advancements in technology and software, game development has become more accessible and easier than ever before. In this article, we’ll explore why game development is not as hard as it used to be, and how individuals with little to no programming experience can now create their own games.
Game Creation in the past
In the past, game creation was a challenging process that required a lot of technical expertise and creativity. Before the advent of game engines, game developers had to rely on a combination of programming languages and graphics libraries to create their games.
The game creation process before game engines was a time-consuming and complex task.
Developers had to start from scratch and build everything from the ground up. This meant that they had to write their own game engines, develop custom physics engines, and create their own graphics libraries. These tasks required a high level of technical expertise and were extremely time-consuming.
Developers had to write their code in programming languages such as C or C++. These languages provided developers with the flexibility they needed to create complex game systems, but they also required a lot of work. Developers had to manage memory allocation, handle low-level hardware interactions, and write complex algorithms to create game systems.
Creating game assets :
Creating game assets such as characters, environments, and sound effects was also a significant challenge before game engines. 3D modeling software was not as advanced as it is today, and creating high-quality assets required a lot of time and effort. Many game developers had to rely on pre-made assets, which limited the creative potential of their games.
Testing was also a significant challenge before game engines. Developers had to create their own testing environments and debug their code manually. This process could take weeks or even months, and errors were often difficult to find and fix.
Despite the challenges, game developers of the past were able to create some of the most iconic games of all time. Games like Super Mario Bros., Doom, and The Legend of Zelda were created before the advent of game engines, using nothing more than raw programming languages and graphics libraries.
Modern Game Engines
One of the primary reasons why game development has become more accessible is the availability of game engines. A game engine is a software framework that provides game developers with a foundation for creating games. Game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine offer pre-built systems and tools, allowing developers to focus on creating game content rather than building everything from scratch.
These tools provide a range of features, including physics, rendering, audio, and input, making game development a much more manageable task. Anybody searching for how to make their own game can now learn a game engine and start game development within days.
Game engines also provide a range of visual scripting tools, which allow developers to create game logic without the need for coding. Visual scripting tools use a drag-and-drop interface, allowing developers to create game systems by connecting nodes together. This approach is much more accessible than traditional coding; allowing individuals with little to no programming experience to create their own games.
Free Online Tutorials
Another significant factor in the accessibility of game development is the vast range of online tutorials; and resources available to aspiring game developers. Websites such as Udemy, Coursera, and VionixStudio offer comprehensive game development courses covering topics such as game design, programming, and asset creation. These courses provide individuals with a clear and structured path towards game development; allowing them to learn the skills required to create their own games.
In addition to online courses, there are also a wealth of tutorials and guides available on YouTube, blogs, and forums. These resources offer step-by-step instructions on how to create a range of game systems; from simple platformers to complex role-playing games. Developers can also find help with coding, art, and other aspects of game development from the online community; making it easier to overcome any obstacles they may face.
Easy Game Asset Creation
Creating game assets, such as characters, environments, and sound effects, was once considered a significant barrier to game development. However, advancements in 3D modeling software have made asset creation more accessible than ever before. Software such as Blender and Maya provide an accessible and intuitive way to create high-quality assets for games. Developers can also purchase assets from online marketplaces such as the Unity Asset Store or the Unreal Engine Marketplace; allowing them to speed up their development process.
Community Support at all times
Finally, the game development community itself plays a significant role in making game development more accessible. The community is made up of game developers, artists, and enthusiasts who are passionate about game development and are willing to share their knowledge and expertise. Online communities, such as Discord servers and social media groups; offer a wealth of support and resources to developers, allowing them to collaborate on projects, receive feedback; and find solutions to problems they may face. I see new developers asking questions like what is Unity Quaternion in community support rather than the game engine forums.
Conclusion
Game development has come a long way in recent years, thanks to advancements in technology; and software, as well as the growth of the game development community. With the availability of game engines, online courses, asset creation tools; and community support, game development is more accessible than ever before. While game development still requires a significant amount of time, effort; and dedication, it is no longer an insurmountable task reserved for large game studios. Anyone with an idea and passion for game development can create their own games and share them with the world. Game development is further moving into metaverse mode where you can just drag and drop objects to create AAA titles. We will talk more about it in our next article.
